Kanter Center Mentors
Meet the mentors at Dr. Cecily Kanter Center for Psychological Services. We provide safe and trusted support in Buffalo Grove, IL.

Miss. Alena
Miss. Alena is a passionate, creative, and deeply dedicated mentor who brings her whole self into the work she does. With a rare blend of insight, authenticity, and heart, she creates spaces where her mentees feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow.
As an adoptee from Russia, Alena carries a lived understanding of resilience, identity, and belonging. She draws from her own experiences and struggles not as a spotlight, but as a bridge-offering steady, compassionate support to those who need someone who truly understands. Her journey fuels her commitment to uplifting her community and walking alongside others with empathy and strength.
A free spirit with an open heart and mind, Alena approaches mentoring with curiosity, creativity, and a sense of play. She is even a Lego master, using her love of building to spark imagination, problem-solving, and confidence in the young people she works with. Whether she is helping someone navigate a challenge or celebrating a breakthrough, she brings warmth, patience, and a genuine belief in each person's potential.
Miss Alena's presence is grounding, her perspective is unique, and her dedication is unwavering. She is more than a mentor-she is a guide, a cheerleader, and a steady source of encouragement for her mentees and the community she serves.

Mr. Jack
Mr. Jack's journey into the world of mental health began long before he ever imagined becoming a mentor. As a third grader struggling to understand and manage big emotions, he met Dr. Cecily Kanter-an experience he credits with shaping him into the man he is today. Through their work together, Jack learned to explore his feelings with curiosity rather than fear, and that early guidance sparked a lifelong passion for helping others do the same.
Today, Mr. Jack brings that same spirit of empathy, openness, and possibility to every young person he mentors. He is deeply committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment where everyone's unique talents can shine. With a huge heart and an intuitive, compassionate approach, he has become a trusted friend to the community-someone who listens without judgement and sees strengths where others might see struggles.
Jack works tirelessly to combat the stigma surrounding mental health. He encourages his mentees to view their challenges and diagnoses not as limitations, but as powerful parts of their story. Known for his open-mindedness and out-of-the-box thinking, he approaches each situation with optimism and a belief that growth is always possible. His goal-oriented, driven nature helps him guide others toward their own goals with clarity and confidence.
Outside the clinic, Jack is an avid athlete who loves lifting weights and staying active. A former high school football player and state champion rugby athlete, he continues his athletic journey as a member of the John Carroll University Rugby Team. Alongside his athletic commitments, he is pursuing his degree in psychology and counseling at John Carroll University in Ohio-furthering his mission to support others with the same compassion and guidance he once received.
Mr. Jack is proof that early support can change a life, and now he dedicates himself to paying that gift forward every day.

Miss. Harper
Miss. Harper brings a bright, compassionate energy to the Kanter Center. As a passionate, caring, and deeply supportive mentor, she shows up for every young person with an open heart and a belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued.
Currently a dedicated high school student, Harper is already working toward her dream of becoming a teacher. Her love for learning and her desire to uplift others shine through in everything she does. She sees education not just as a career path, but as a way to help people discover their strengths and build confidence in who they are.
Harper believes strongly that mental health challenges are not weaknesses-they are meaningful, unique parts of a person's story that helps shape their identity. She encourages her mentees to embrace their experiences with pride, reminding them that their struggles do not define them but instead contribute to what makes them special.
Drawing from her own experiences and personal challenges, Miss. Harper guides those she works with to find their voice and their place in the world. Her empathy is genuine, her support unwavering, and her ability to connect with others is one of her greatest gifts.
Outside of mentoring, Harper is an avid hockey fan who proudly cheers for the Chicago Blackhawks. Her enthusiasm, resilience, and team-spirit mindset follow her into every space she enters.
Miss. Harper is a reminder that leadership can start at any age-and kindness, courage, and authenticity can change lives.

Miss. Brooklyn
Miss. Brooklyn brings a rare blend of passion, curiosity, care, and adaptability to the Kanter Center. Whether she is supporting a young person through a tough moment or celebrating a client's breakthrough, she shows up with a steady presence and a genuine desire to understand each person's story. Her ability to listen deeply, adjust gracefully, and meet people exactly where they are makes her an anchor of support for everyone with whom she works.
Brooklyn's strength does not come from theory alone-it comes from lived experience. She uses her own personal and family challenges as fuel, transforming them into motivation to explore, connect, and give back to her community. Her journey has shaped her belief that mental health support is one of the most essential ingredients in building a positive, inclusive, and compassionate community. She carries that belief into every mentoring relationship, reminding others that they deserve care, understanding, and a safe place to grow.
Despite her youth, Miss. Brooklyn is a shining example that leadership, determination, and heart know no age. She leads with empathy, learns with curiosity, and inspires with her unwavering commitment to helping others feel seen and supported.
Miss. Brooklyn is more than a mentor-she is a role model and a reminder that courage and compassion can change lives.
Start your journey
Ready to connect with a mentor and find the support you need? Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.